1st Chemo Treatment

May 13th came way too soon, for Mom's liking. I took the day off of work to be with her. I had one of my buddies from Joey's make her a shirt that says "cancer sucks". It is a pink t-shirt with black letters. I thought it might add some humor to those dreaded treatment days. She wore the shirt proudly, I must say. Everyone at the Dr.'s office loved the shirt. Even Dr. Simons, who usually is just business, was laughing.

First the nurse came in and took mom's blood pressure. It was 114/62, which was much better than the 1st time we were there. It was 160/80 on May 3rd; her very first visit with Dr. Simons, which was the day we thought we might receive a diagnosis.

We had read all of the literature given to us by the doctors and were better prepared for this visit on the 13th. At least we knew what we were dealing with at this point. Dr. Simons examined Mom and then we went to the "treatment room", which is nothing more than a bunch of recliners for the patients to sit in. It was a busy day on the 13th. Sandra, a nurse came and reviewed the treatment and side effects with Mom yet another time. She is very comforting. They all are. These nurses are truly amazing people. Anyhow, they began with an anti-nausea medicine. Since Mom preferred not to have a "port" implanted, they were administering the drugs through an IV in her arm. Hopefull her veins will hold up. She really does not want that "port". After the anti-nausea med is finished, the nurse has to retrieve the orders from the doctor as to what chemo drugs Mom should be receiving. A mixologist creates the concoction of drugs, which is double and triple checked before being administered. Mom received Adrymiacin 1st, which was bright red. (She peed red the rest of the day!) Then the Cytoxin was given. Toward the end of the Cytoxin, Mom had a really weird look on her face. Throughout the beginning of the chemo, she was holding up really well. I was so proud of her. She had brought a book to read, but I gave her a PEOPLE Magazine; much more interesting reading. Plus, the other patients that are there strike up a conversation. Of course, Dad ended up knowing someone who was there. Anyhow, getting back to Mom's look of bewilderment. I asked her what was wrong and as soon as the nurses heard me, 2 of them went running over and started to fuss over her. Apparently if the Cytoxin is administered too quickly, it can make your head feel funny, which is exactly what Mom was feeling. She wouldn't say anything, though. I told her that whenever somethings isn't feeling right that she has to tell the nurses. They made a note on her chart to slow down the Cytoxin the next time. AND they reiterated that she must tell them when something feels amiss. The most important thing for the patients is that they are as comfortable as possible. They keep a fridge loaded with juices and pop, as well as pass around a basket full of goodies for the patients to munch on. A bunch of angels on earth they are. Truly.

Mom received her chemo schedule; she had to go back the next day for a shot called Neulasta. It is supposed to help keep your white cell count up, which will reduce infection. Mom will have to have blood taken once a week during the entire time frame of chemo treatment. They have to ensure that all of her counts are o.k. I am still researching this so I will fill you in once I am educated. Her next dose of chemotherapy is scheduled for June 3rd.

We got her home and chilled for most of the day. She actually slept, which was quite unusual for my mother. She NEVER naps during the day. She is emotionally, as well as physically exhausted, though. I had to work that night at Joey's so she was left in the care of Dad. Now that could be a whole other blog!

Next up, finding a wig and head coverings....................